Leading The Way - Devotional for September 9
September 9, 2026
Preparing for the End Times
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read Matthew 25:1-13.
In Matthew 25, we find a parable about a wedding feast and ten virgins who fell asleep waiting for the bridegroom to arrive with his procession. Five of the virgins were wise, and five were foolish. Five had oil in their lamps, and five did not. In the same way, some Christians will be ready for the Lord’s return, and some who profess the name of Christ will not be.
When we read this parable carefully, we ought to notice several things the wise and foolish virgins have in common. Both groups were invited. Both groups responded positively to the invitation. Both groups had affection toward the bridegroom. Both groups believed in His coming. Both groups fell asleep. But as soon as the bridegroom showed up, that’s when the similarities ended. Only one group was prepared for His coming.
The Bible tells us that at the end of history, there will be a great falling away. Many people who claim to know Christ will be revealed to be faithless. About those days Jesus warned, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:12-13).
Did you know that according to a recent report from George Barna, “Americans Views of Sin and Salvation,” 68 percent of professing Christians in America say having some type of religious faith is more important than which faith a person aligns with? How can that be when Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6)? He is the only way. In that same report, 52 percent of professing Christians actually said they believe they can earn their salvation. Such a thing would be a total contradiction of the Gospel. If we could save ourselves, Christ came and died for nothing!
These numbers tell me there are many people in the church today who are like the foolish virgins in Jesus’ parable. They are unprepared for His coming. If you’re not 100 percent sure you’re prepared for Jesus’ return, don’t wait another day! Commit yourself to the Lord fully, not just with words, but with your whole life.
Prayer: Jesus, give me Your vision for eternity and help me to keep my eyes on You by the power of Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Are You Ready for the End Times?: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
